Features

Pennington Square celebrates 25 years of service

Published by admin on Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:21am

     Pennington Square Assisted Living in Monticello is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 22, with an open house for families of the residents and the public. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m.

   There will be refreshments and delicious snacks and desserts prepared by Chef Kevin. Tours of Pennington will be offered as well.

Olin sixth graders present ‘Farm-to-Table Project’ at Iowa Capitol

Published by admin on Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:19am

     “It taught me to speak in front of other people. I liked meeting new people and sharing our presentation,” offered Olin sixth-grader Harper Houston.

   “I learned that the Capitol building is very large and important. I enjoyed the library because it was quiet,” said Olin sixth-grader Sam Hines.

   On Jan. 28, the sixth graders from Olin Elementary; their teacher, Robyn Ceurvorst; and the fifth-grade teacher Darby Hawtrey spent the day at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines.

Main Street, MACC offer free leadership workshop

Published by admin on Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:59am

     Join Monticello, IA Main Street and the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) for an engaging conversation about leadership on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Innovation Lab, 101 E. First St.

2025 MACC Annual Banquet

Published by admin on Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:59am

   When I was a little girl, I would sit tentatively ay my grandparents’ feet as they reminisced about the totally awesome times of yore. With the fireplace burning in the background, illuminating their shadows, I listened eagerly to tales of times when feathered bangs were all the rage, and Aqua Net was a bathroom staple. Music wasn’t accessibly transported by hand, but by heaving a boombox over one’s shoulder. Romantic gestures weren’t a simple swipe, but big, grandiose gestures, like writing your sweetheart’s name on your Trapper Keeper.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Car Show comes to Monticello, Feb. 22-23

Published by admin on Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:42am

     Once again a winter tradition brings family fun to Iowa in the form of KCRG-TV9 Presents the O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 22 and 23. The affordable family fun event is now in its 56th year celebrating a variety of vintage street rods, custom cars, street machines, hot pickups, race cars, and custom motorcycles.

Red Cedar Chamber returns to United Church

Published by admin on Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:41am

     Red Cedar Chamber Music presents “Cultural Passport,” duos for violin and cello inspired by folk music from around the world on Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. at the United Church of Monticello.

   Featured musicians are Miera Kim on violin and Carey Bostian on cello.

Weaver highlights first year as JCTA director

Published by admin on Wed, 02/12/2025 - 2:24pm

     It’s been a year since Kaileen Weaver took over the role of Jones County Tourism Association (JCTA) director, and the non-profit is seeing more and more engagement every day.

   Weaver spoke to the Jones County Supervisors during their Feb. 4 board meeting. As part of her program update, on behalf of the JCTA, she requested $16,000 in funding for Fiscal Year 2026, along with the county’s Hotel/Motel Tax, which amounts to roughly $4,000.

Sacred Heart students showcase at ISU Lego League

Published by admin on Wed, 02/12/2025 - 2:23pm

     Fourth-grade students from Sacred Heart School in Monticello participated in the “Explore” division of the Iowa FIRST Lego League Ames Expo at Iowa State University on Feb. 1.

   The theme this year was “Submerged.” Sacred Heart students researched and presented about oil spills and ways that they are cleaned from the water.

   The team received an award for coding. Their Lego creation was a model of a boat and vacuum system that would vacuum the oil from the water. Students used a motor to power brushes that spin.

F&M Bank employees donate to Jones Co. Food Pantry

Published by admin on Wed, 02/12/2025 - 2:02pm

     In 2023, F&M Bank employees established the F&M Bank Employee Charitable Organization Match Program, a program in which F&M Bank employees voluntarily donate an amount of their choice with each paycheck. F&M Bank then matches the funds collected dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000.

   Last year, F&M Bank team members in Jones County chose the Jones County Community Food Pantry to receive a total of $10,534.

   “The Jones County Food Pantry serves all of the Jones County area,” said Julie Finn, representing HACAP.

Speech team earns six ‘ones’ at State

Published by admin on Wed, 02/12/2025 - 2:01pm

   Monticello High School participated in the State Large Group Speech Contest Feb. 8 at Cedar Rapids Washington High School.

   The team earned six Division I ratings and one “II” rating. The teams that received “ones” were waiting late in the afternoon Feb. 10 to hear if any of them were nominated for the All-State Speech Festival.

   The following events received a “I” rating:

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